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Predators GM David Poile on Pekka Rinne: 'I don't think it's over'

He sits a bit more upright in his chair behind his desk in his office at Bridgestone Arena in early March, before this season was suspended indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The only general manager the Predators ever have known nudges his glasses up the bridge of his nose. He leans in a little closer.

To say Poile is partial to Pekka Rinne, the goalie he drafted in the eight round – 258th overall, for crying out loud – the man who is, without argument, the "face of the franchise for so many years," would be an understatement.

Rinne has played more games, more minutes, has more victories, more shutouts, more playoff wins – more everything than any goalie who's suited up for the franchise.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) is congratulated after his goal against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, March 2, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) is congratulated by Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) after the game with St. Louis during a game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders with center Calle Jarnkrok (19) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) celebrates his second goal of the game against the New York Islanders with defenseman Jarred Tinordi (24) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Catfish are removed from the ice before a game between the Nashville Predators and the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) reacts to scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) catches a shot on goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Bridgestone Arena Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith, left, celebrates after his goal with Mattias Ekholm during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) Chris Carlson, AP

Nashville Predators center Calle Jarnkrok, left, passes the puck as he and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez fall to the ice during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill, AP

Nashville Predators fans cheer during the second period against the Dallas Stars of the 2020 NHL Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

The goal by Dallas Stars left wing Blake Comeau (15) goes under Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) into the net during the second period of the 2020 NHL Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) and his teammates come off the ice after the second period, leading the Dallas Stars 2-1, during the 2020 NHL Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) is helped off the ice after being elbowed by Dallas Stars right wing Corey Perry (10) during the first period of the 2020 NHL Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators left wing Austin Watson (51) heads out to the ice for the third period of the 2020 NHL Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) is down on the ice with an injury after being elbowed by Dallas Stars right wing Corey Perry (10) during the first period of the 2020 NHL Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) was pulled out of the game during the first period during a game against the Penguins at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019. Shelley Mays/, The Tennessean

Dec. 17, 2019: Predators 8, Islanders 3 -- Nashville Predators' Roman Josi, left, celebrates with Ryan Ellis after scoring a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, in Uniondale, N.Y. The Predators won 8-3. Frank Franklin II, AP

Nashville Predators' Craig Smith, above, fights with New York Islanders' Scott Mayfield during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, in Uniondale, N.Y. The Predators won 8-3. Frank Franklin II, AP

Dec. 16, 2019: Predators 5, Rangers 2 -- Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) makes a save during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in New York. The Predators defeated the Rangers 5-2. Kathy Willens, AP

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) looks at the ice after giving up four goals during the second period against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) reacts to scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators left wing Austin Watson (51) smiles while grabbing the legs of San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane (9) during a fight in the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) scores a goal against New Jersey Devils goaltender Louis Domingue (70) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Mark Zaleski, AP

Nashville Predators center Nick Bonino (13) celebrates with right wing Craig Smith (15) after Bonino scored against the New Jersey Devils during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Predators won 6-4. Mark Zaleski, AP

Nashville Predators center Kyle Turris (8) falls as he tries to skate the puck into the offensive zone during the first period on Dec, 3, 2019 against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) makes a glove save during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Nashville Predators defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) is called for a penalty as he hits Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Golden Knights teammates congratulate right wing Reilly Smith (19) after his goal against the Predators during the second period at Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) blocks a shot by San Jose Sharks left wing Patrick Marleau (12) in the second period Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 at SAP Center at San Jose. John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville Predators center Colton Sissons (10) tries to control the puck on his knees in front of Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Nashville Predators celebrate left wing Viktor Arvidsson's (33) goal against the New York Rangers during the second period at Bridgestone Arena Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
Courtney Pedroza / Tennessean.com

Wesley Roberts celebrates Nashville Predators left wing Viktor Arvidsson's (33) goal against the New York Rangers during the second period at Bridgestone Arena Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
Courtney Pedroza / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators congratulate left wing Austin Watson (51) after his goal against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Bridgestone Arena Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators center Mikael Granlund (64) watches a shot by teammate Calle Jarnkrok, not shown, get by Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Curtis McElhinney (35) for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. Chris O'Meara, AP

Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) is congratulated by center Nick Bonino (13) and right wing Rocco Grimaldi (23) after his goal against the Wild during the third period at Bridgestone Arena Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators center Calle Jarnkrok (19) reacts to scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks with right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

The Nashville Predators and the Arizona Coyotes would play each other in a best-of-five series in the play-in round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, according to the format released by the NHL Tuesday. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

October 12, 2019 - Kings 7, Predators 4: Members of the Los Angeles Kings, right, celebrate a goal by left wing Alex Iafallo as Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen skates away during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Kings won 7-4. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

October 12, 2019 - Kings 7, Predators 4: Nashville Predators left wing Viktor Arvidsson celebrates his goal during the third period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Kings won 7-4. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Mr. Predator

He's started every playoff game – all 89 of them – since 2010.

Rinne also is nearing the end of his storied career, one that has seen him win a Vezina Trophy. One that has seen him help the Predators to their only Stanley Cup Final appearance. One that has seen him named an All-Star three times.

"We know time catches up to all of us, especially in an athlete’s life," Poile says. "He’s been playing very well. He’s had that odd game that hasn’t been so good. I’m predicting if we make the playoffs this year that Pekka’s going to win some big games down the stretch. So I don’t think it’s over."

The playoffs – heck, everything – is in limbo right now, in what could be Rinne's second-to-last season.

Juuse is loose

Saros was 6-2-0 with a .948 save percentage and two shutouts in his nine appearances before the pause.

Rinne was on pace for his worst season, statistically, with a 3.17 goals-against average. An .895 save percentage. He'll start fewer games this year than he ever has in a full season in which he didn't miss significant time with injury.

Truth can hurt

"We talked about it before extending him, how this would be a good ending if he only played two years," Poile continues. "You don’t want to say he can’t play more than that. However it turns out. Yes, we clearly have these talks.

"When it happens I’m sure that it’s hardest on him. It’s probably hard on our fans. They think the world of Pekka and think he’s going to be that brick wall every night and he’s going to make the difference every night, because for 10 or 12 years he’s been the difference every night."

Before the pause, though, Saros had been making the difference most nights.

He had two consecutive shutouts before that streak ended at 181 minutes, 7 seconds. That's the second-longest such streak in franchise history behind Dan Ellis, who went 233:39 without allowing a goal.

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Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) is congratulated by Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) after the game with St. Louis during a game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020. Shelley Mays/The Tennessean

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35), celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Chicago, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Nam Y. Huh, AP

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) and Dallas Stars goaltender Ben Bishop (30) share a few words after the Stars won the overtime game and the divisional semifinal series at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Monday, April 22, 2019. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) defends against Dallas Stars center Jason Spezza (90) during the third period of the divisional semifinal game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Monday, April 22, 2019. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) slams into Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) during the second period of the divisional semifinal game at Bridgestone Arena Saturday, April 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) defends the net during the third period of the divisional semifinal game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas., Monday, April 15, 2019. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) stops the puck as Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) closes in during the second period of the divisional semifinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, April 13, 2019. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) blocks a Dallas shot during the first period of the divisional semifinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, April 10, 2019. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) stops a shot with Pittsburgh Penguins' Jared McCann (19) screening him and looking for a rebound during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Friday, March 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) Gene J. Puskar, AP

Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) leads the team onto the ice before the game against the Canadiens at Bridgestone Arena Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) and Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) reach over the net for a shot during the second period against the New York Rangers at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. on Dec. 29, 2018. Christopher Hanewinckel, Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODA

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) poses for a photo on the Gold Walk before the home opener at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) stops a shot by Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler (26) during the second period in Game 5 of the second round NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bridgestone Arena Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) makes a stop on a shot in front of Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) during the second period of Game 5 of the second round NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena, Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) makes a stop by Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) in front of the net during the second period in Game 2 of the second round NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bridgestone Arena Sunday, April 29, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

The game-winning goal by Colorado Avalanche right wing Sven Andrighetto (10) gets by Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) during the third period in game 5 of the first round NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bridgestone Arena Friday, April 20, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) has the puck roll over his back in the second period in game 1 of the first round NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bridgestone Arena Thursday, April 12, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) protects the goal as Senators and Predators crash the goal during the third period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

A fan taps the head of Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) after the Preds won Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final by a score of 4-1 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, June 5, 2017. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) dives to stop the puck after an onslaught of shots by Penguins center Sidney Crosby (not shown) during the second period of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday, June 5, 2017. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) sits on the bench midway through the third period of game 2 in the Stanley Cup Final at PPG Paints Arena Wednesday, May 31, 2017, in Pittsburgh, Pa. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

All eyes were on the puck as Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) makes a stop during the first period of game four of the Western Conference finals at Bridgestone Arena Thursday, May 18, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) catches a puck during the second period of game 3 of the Western Conference finals at Bridgestone Arena Tuesday, May 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) and defenseman Matt Irwin (52) with Anaheim Ducks center Antoine Vermette (50) pick themselves up from the ice during the second period of game 1 of the Western Conference finals at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, May 12, 2017. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com

Fans reach for Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) as he heads for warmups before the start of the home opener against the Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, right, falls down after deflecting a shot on goal next to teammate Viktor Arvidsson (38) and San Jose Sharks' Logan Couture (39) during the first period in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on May 12, 2016. Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) defends against San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) during overtime in Game 4 in an NHL hockey Western Conference semifinal series at the Bridgestone Arena, Thursday, May 5, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean

Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne flips his face mask from one hand to the other after it came off during a play at the side of the net against the Flyers in Philadelphia on Nov. 27, 2015. Tom Mihalek / AP

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne slides across the crease to cover the net as defenseman Barret Jackman attempts to block a shot during the third period against the Ducks at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 17, 2015. Christopher Hanewinckel / USA TODAY Sports

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne was all smiles as he salutes the crowd after the Predators defeated the Red Wings 2-1 and won the series on April 20, 2012 at Bridgestone Arena. Sanford Myers / The Tennessean

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne takes a stick blade in between his mask and neck guard against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at Bridgestone Arena on Feb. 23, 2012. Sanford Myers / The Tennessean

"I totally understand," Rinne said in February. "I'm sure they have some kind of game plan, but at this time of year, we're fighting for our lives here. It's playoff time for us. I'm just trying to be a good teammate, trying to work on my game.

"At the same time, I love watching Juuse do well. Anything that helps the team."

Rinne has helped the team plenty throughout his 14-year career. His biggest highlight, aside from that 2017 Cup run, occurred earlier this season when he scored his first career goal in early January against the Blackhawks, which had always been a goal of his.

Rinne, though, has been hesitant to talk about the "R" word. He knows retirement is inevitable. He knows his time on the ice is finite.

"I don't want to go that far, talking about retirement, " Rinne said in February. "But yeah, it's clear. I have one more year on my contract. I haven't thought beyond that. But you're right, it's happening. At this point you have to put your priorities right and straight and find a way to still have an impact – if it's outside the ice, on the ice, whatever it is. ... When it's my turn, play better and be able to find my game."

Poile thinks so highly of Rinne that he became the first – and for a long time, only – player in Predators history to be granted a no-movement clause in his contract.

His play on the ice made the contract worth it in Poile's eyes.

Not that the Predators were interested in moving him. But he was the rare "untouchable" for Poile, a man who has made more trades than any general manager in the history of the NHL.

Rinne's demeanor off the ice – where Rinne also has been the face of the franchise – has been a bonus.

The admiration, though, is a two-way street. Rinne has expressed his gratitude toward Poile for taking a chance on him all those years ago. He said Poile has had a "huge, huge impact" on his career.